STOP PRESS:

COLONSAY BOY BITTEN BY MONKEY
 We are reliably informed that a Colonsay boy has had his ear chewed by a monkey, but fortunately it spat him out before much damage was done. The monkey responded well to resuscitation and is hardly traumatised at all. "The Corncrake" is hoping to get the full story and if successful will spread it across about 20 pages for months on end...

Later: Apparently the victim was petting somebody's dog, and the monkey became overcome by jealousy and rushed over to get some attention. It certainly caught our hero's attention... according to his wee sister, the hospital had to call in a specialist as nobody on duty had any experience of monkey bites!


COLONSAY WEDDING

Lesca Swart and Iain MacGregor were married on 25 October, at Colonsay Hotel. All friends in Colonsay wish them long life and every happiness together.

Mrs. Diane Clark, Registrar, officiated in the first purely Civil Ceremony to be recorded in the island.

It is understood that a Church Blessing is to follow in South Africa, where members of Lesca's family can attend.







MARY MACHRINS' 60th BIRTHDAY

There was a huge gathering in Colonsay to celebrate the 60th birthday of Mary "Machrins" O'Mahoney (McNeill), with friends and relatives coming from far and wide. In addition to close family there were plenty more and it was an especial pleasure to see Angus and Peggy Clark with so many of their family. The big event was a ceilidh in the Village Hall, gaily decked with balloons and streamers, to say nothing of lots of tiny plastic "60" symbols. Live music was provided by Seamus and Hughie McNeill, Pede MacNeill and Lucy Johnstone, with organisation and hospitality provided by Mary's family.

With so much festivity on the go, Christine Bailey gave everyone the chance to enjoy a further night of conviviality on the Sunday. Everyone was invited to take advantage of an inexpensive hotpot at the Hotel and to welcome the first night of God's Time with an extra party.

A RUDE AWAKENING

Islanders were intrigued to see Alex and Jane arriving home with a very different car the other day. It is reported that they were driving along a street in London when the bottom of their original car came into contact with a sleeping policeman. The sleeping policeman was fortunately only grazed, but their sump came off worse.

For years, everyone has wondered why so many visitors to Colonsay are equipped with 4-wheel drive combat vehicles. It was generally assumed that the citizens of leafy suburbia saw themselves in the front line if the Axis powers got uppity again, and required such vehicles to mount an heroic resistance. But now we know that it is just because of the state of the roads down south…


ADVERTISEMENT:
Kilchattan Primary School are producing Christmas Cards as a fund-raising enterprise - they will be on sale in the shop very soon. Buy early, buy often.


COMPUTER PROGRESS

The Editor contacted the Forum at www.2000friends.co.uk recently with the following thoughts:
1. Some machines are very slow - to update NAV is typically taking up to 90 minutes, and Freeserve cuts you off if you do not move the mouse about a bit.
2. Some machines flash a NAV sign to say your outgoing Email is being checked, then disconnect with sending it. It is possible to get around this by disabling the "disconnect after sending email" option, but then it is vital to go offline manually; easily forgotten, and capable of leaving vulnerable folk unable to phone in or out.
3. Speed of the machines seems to be due to the greed of XP system, but one local person sought to upgrade the memory and was told by the suppliers that this is forbidden!!! Can anyone recommend the specifications and a good supplier of the upgrades that nearly everyone will have to install?

The helpful replies were as follows:
1 To disable auto-disconnect, visit this address:
http://pub24.ezboard.com/f2000friendsfrm11.showMessage?topicID=18.topic

2 A good question, it never occurred to me to put these things together. As you say disable the "disconnect after...etc". In Internet Explorer click Tools > Internet Options > Connections > Settings > Advanced > check the box "disconnect when connection may longer be needed".
Doing this will result in a small box being displayed when neither OE or IE is open which ask if they wish to stay connected to the internet.

3 You can read my views on upgrading here
http://www.2000friends.co.uk/57097.html
and in the Buyers Club in the forum, I've been into it in some depth, spoken to the helpline engineers and the page quotes the NAIDC FAQ answer.
To sum up we can add anything we like to the computer but the warranty would not cover that part nor any damage it may cause. The position is exactly the same as adding an aftersales part to a car, the part is covered by its vendor, damage by whoever installs it. There is one additional point; because Naidc has no Compaq engineers computers are replaced rather than repaired on the spot, you would have to remove anything you added because they do not guarantee to give you your tower back. I think this is ridiculous as it means you lose all your data too and I hope to get the policy changed.
I recommend Crucial memory which I advertise on the forum and website, it guarantees to sell you exactly the right module for your system (there are small differences between even a 1G and a 1.2G Evo for instance), it's cheap (£26 for 256mb inc p&p and VAT at the mo I think), no extra charge for off mainland delivery arrives within 36hrs of online purchase and they are one of only companies that actually make memory. All the others use crucial chips etc to make theirs. I bought from them before I started to advertise them, which was why I chose them to advertise.
When you go through their system selector you choose Compaq, then Evo, then 1.2 Celeron. Check this specification by clicking Start > RIGHT click on My Computer and the specification is in the bottom right of the General tab.
If you opt for another source of memory do not buy "unbranded", it's much cheaper for a good reason, it unreliable.

LATER…
Dear Kevin, I've been thinking more about the update issue re Norton and something new has occurred to me. I haven't looked at a computer so far which hasn't had an up to date virus definition list, most of them were used by people who didn't stay on line for long periods of time and certainly not long enough to do the full update. This is what I think may be happening.

The automatic update, which happens the first time a computer goes on line after Wednesday, only updates the virus definitions. This is a relatively small download, rarely larger than 1.2mb in any week (it maybe larger the first time or if the computer has been off line for several weeks).
Check definition date by clicking start>all programs>Norton Antivirus>Norton Antivirus 2002 and the date is in the lower section of the first window (system status).
The auto-update does not update the parental control list in Norton Internet Security, it is this that makes up the vast bulk of the update whenever I've done it manually, often exceeding 12mb. This is a list of websites that the parental controls prevent ppl visiting IF the controls have been enabled in the first place.
It is possible to prevent this download when doing a manual update by unchecking that option when the list of possible updates appears (I think it's the first on the list).
Obviously I would recommend that people do update parental control lists but there is little point if they haven't enabled the controls in the first place. As I say this is what I THINK is going on, I'll check into it. In fact I think I'll start a thread about in the meantime at the forum.
Hope this helps, Richard

Hopefully this information will help others. Richard is quite right, the NAV parental control item is well over 12mb and takes at least 30 minutes to download. Unless your parents are sharing your machine it seems best to decline the option.

One or two people have encountered machines slowly coming to a total halt. If detected in time, it is possible to use the on-screen facility to restore the settings to an earlier, halcyon state; otherwise it has to be done through "Safe Mode" and the Helpline will quickly guide you through the process. If a machine hangs totally and you are finally reduced to switching off by use of the physical switch on the front of the box, note that the switch must be pushed in and HELD THERE for at least twelve seconds.

It is understood that training arrangements in Colonsay will be announced soon. Further to our mention of Cartirdges Supermarket on Islay, Colonsay Bookshop now stocks their ink cartridges to fit the printers supplied by the Digital Communities Project. Please remember to deposit your old cartridges at the bookshop, so that they can be recycled. Incidentally, paper is also available from the bookshop.

FREIGHT CHARGE HORROR … £163.59 on a car battery!

Freight from Oban seems to have gone through the roof in recent days, with the charges escalating at an alarming rate. On November 1st, two tractor wheels cost £47.26, whereas in August eight tyres (a comparable item) cost £16.50.

The South American scale of the inflation becomes even more obvious with identical items - on November 4th, freight on a battery cost £4.38 and by November 6th the charge had already risen to £5.25. By November 5th next year the projected charge will have reached £163.59 - fortunately it is not a leap year, when it would have risen to £164.02

To see how these charges have spiraled out of control one should compare with examples from recent months:
Tyre AND Battery (July) £5.50
One Wheel (July) £4.38
Eight tyres (August) £16.50

Where does our MSP stand in all this? What about Weights & Measures? Is there a Consumer Protection agency? Or a CalMac Users Council? Surely there must be some agency, somewhere, able to demand a coherent explanation?






Talking of strange bills, a traveller in rural Australia recently had the temerity to order a Bacardi Breezer.

His itemised bill reflected a judgement on his choice...






ARMISTICE DAY

There was a large gathering of islanders for the Remembrance Service on Sunday 10th. Margaret Walker was unwell, but Kate Bowman led the simple and appropriate service whilst Eleanor McNeill played the organ ("Will your anchor hold?" and "The Lord is my Shepherd"). The service was held in the CalMac building and everyone moved out into the warm sunshine in time for the Tryst (David Sutherland, British Legion) after which a wreath was placed at the Memorial. The two-minute silence was followed by a benediction and was enhanced by the strains of "The Last Post" which echoed across the glen from the new houses. The workforce had paused to mark the occasion and their radio carried the bugle call from the Cenotaph directly to Scalasaig.

Poppies were later placed on more than two dozen individual war graves in Colonsay and Oronsay, those of people lost at sea who found their last resting place in the island. The memory of Edmondo Armando Sottocarnola had been honoured a fortnight ago, when his weathered cross was replaced by a new one kindly made and gifted by Finlay MacFadyen. The proceedings, on remote Eilean nan Ron, were observed with considerable interest by the resident seal population.

Special thanks are due to Esmee Marshall who gave of her time and talents to refresh the lettering on the War Memorial at Scalasaig, and tribute is also due to David Sutherland and all who assisted him in raising a remarkable sum, in excess of £1,600, for the Poppy Appeal. After the Service, all present were invited back to Colonsay Hotel, where refreshments were generously provided. Although Armistice Day itself was not marked in any public way, it continues to be observed in private.

 
The War Memorial and the grave on Eilean nan Ron

NOOKS & CRANNIES

Many people will know that for many years a silver cup was provided at Tobar Chaluim Chille, but that it disappeared from view. Eventually, metal detectors were invented, and Jim Hendry took the trouble to find and recover the old cup, which had been placed originally by the Colonsay Thiefs soon after the Great war.

Until such time as a proper repository for such items can be provided, the cup is now preserved for safe keeping at the Post Office.


WHAT'S ON IN COLONSAY

Scottish Country Dancing lessons - starting this week in the Hall (contact Angus and Jen).

Badminton, Thursdays 18.00hrs started early November.

Quiz in the Hotel every Wednesday at 9.30 pm.

Church Service
Please note that services in both the Baptist Church and the Church of Scotland are at the new time of 11.30hrs. Services are held regularly - see notices in the shop and hotel for details.


Advance notice:
The 14th International Gathering of Clan Macfie is to be held May 14-18, 2003 in Gatlinburg, TN, hosted by the Macfie Clan Society of America. For more information see http://www.macfiesocietyofamerica.com or contact:
Jim McAfee, Macfie Clan Society of America
420 Ash Dr.; Baxter, TN 38544 USA
jgmcafee@tnaccess.com


SNIPPETS

Apparently one of Pede's customers is interested in carpentry, but there were red faces all round when he took delivery of his supposed specialist magazine, "Tongue and Groove"; (and no wonder people have stopped reading our Nooks and Crannies column); Angus & Peggy Clark were in Colonsay for a couple of weeks this month, and looking very well; Irene has passed her bird examination with flying colours; houses under way at present include Iain and Laura Brown, Nigel and Rhona Grant, Don and Mary MacLeod, the McNicholls as well as the four housing association properties; Chris Nisbet's application is under consideration and at least seven more are poised to start… by present calculations there may be as many as nineteen new houses and two AIE workshops under construction this winter, plus two home extensions and the major renovation of an existing house.


Andrew MacGregor's "Heidi"

TOPICAL LETTERS

For convenience of readers, letters now appear in two sections. Anything to do with current events appears here, and letters to do with the Magazine section or historical research etc. will appear at the end of the Magazine section.

For George anmd Jack...
If you were to visit:
http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~dtmcc/corncrake.htm
It tells you exactly what a corncrake eats.
Thanks
Lotta Leahy


For George and Jack…
I have consulted the Birdwatcher's "Bible" which goes under the fancy name of "The Birds of the Western Palaearctic" - it runs to 9 volumes each with over 500 pages.....if it doesn't answer the question it hasn't been asked!

It tells me that Corncrakes are omnivorous - chiefly small invertebrates, especially small insects including (beetles, flies, craneflies, earwigs, grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, dragonflies, and ants). They also take snails, spiders, harvestment, millipedes, earthworms, young frogs, green parts of plants, young shoots, and seeds - and possibly even small mammals and small birds.

This is a precis which has removed all the complicated Latin! But it does seem that they are omnivorous and on the whole they appear to be beneficial.

From a Colonsay slant they obviously won't have frogs on their menu. In 2001 I scraped the remains of a female off the road just up the road from Homefield that had been hit by a car. It was frozen and sent to a biologist/ornithologist at Cambridge University who specialises in Corncrake biology (Rhys Green). He reported finding...
Gizzard with several 3-4 mm snails (kept for detailed sort &count).

So we can confirm they do eat small snails on Colonsay.
I hope this is all useful and you can precis it further for use in the next Corncrake!
Regards, David Jardine

[Too good to precis, and anyway swamps my hoped-for "Diet of Worms" joke - Editor]




Hallowe'en in Colonsay

The Magazine Section


SEARCH ENGINE

SEARCH

Instructions are supplied, but two hints may help:
1. When using phrases, enclose them in quotation marks. For example, [lifting stone] will get you every instance of [lifting] or [stone] but ["lifting stone"] will get you what you want.
2. When you see the results, they may seem unlikely. This is because many documents (e.g. each issue of The Corncrake) are in reality just one single "page", covering many unrelated topics. No problem! Open the page, then go to the "Find (on this page)" option at the top of your screen, on a drop-down menu presented by the second button from the left. Type in the word you seek and hey-presto, it is highlighted for you. Note that you must give the page time to load (an issue of The Corncrake takes up to a minute), also that there may be more than one example on the page, so use the "Find (on this page)" function again to check that you have not missed anything.



COBWEB PROJECT

The attempt to make use of our new computers in recording our individual family history is planned to commence in our next issue. The project will be well within the capability of even the least experienced computer-user, and will proceed at the speed of the slowest. We will, of course, welcome feed-back, queries and suggestions through the columns of "The Corncrake" but nobody in the island will have to wait until the next issue if they get stuck - if anybody has a problem they will be invited to get immediate help by phoning Kevin Byrne.

Our two volunteers, Ross Moodie and Francis Troup, will always be one step ahead, pioneering the route. At present, they are checking out the programme to be suggested in our first published segment. Readers are reminded that we will be using free software which will be downloaded from the Internet. Obviously there is no problem if you care to use a commercial package, but one purpose of this project is to build confidence and practical skills through a collective project. Even if you prefer to use a different package longterm, it might be worthwhile to stick with us in the early stages - it is the work of a moment to dump the free software if you decide not to use it.

When we get back to 1901 and earlier, Colonsay descendants will have the great advantage of access to records which have already been transcribed and which will be freely available. It is a fundamental rule of genealogy that all sources should be verified and this will now be possible for all residents. Through the good offices of Highland Council, a microfilm reader has been obtained (it is the strange bit of equipment currently sited in CalMac's waiting room). The Editor has a substantial collection of microfilms, including information on Gigha, Jura and Islay as well as Colonsay, so it will now be possible to refer to the original register entries as required.

If you are really new to computers, this may be a great opportunity. Ideally, you should persuade a slightly more experienced user to hold your hand. You will only need a very little help, if any, so one person may be able to help two or three. It will be a big help if you tell The Editor that you intend to participate, so that he can make sure there are no problems.


"Lady Jayne" at Eilean nan Ron


GRAVEYARD INSCRIPTIONS

The gravestones of Colonsay and Oransay were originally transcribed by Kevin Byrne in June 1996. With the help of Christa Byrne the project has now been updated to October 27 2002, and one misreading of the original stones has been corrected. Many of the stones are very hard to read and visitors to the island are invited to borrow a copy of the transcript from Homefield (next door to Kilchattan Graveyard, white house, green door).

The misreading was published as IN MEMORY OF DON'D MARTIN / WHO DIED APL (?) 5 1894. For this, Allan Martin reads IN MEMORY / OF / DUNCAN MARTIN / WHO DIED FEB 18? (13?) 18?4 / AGED 11(?) YRS.

Allan is quite right about the Christian name, and has unearthed an additional line that had been missed (in which the age seems unmistakable). Unfortunately the date is a rather difficult reading, although if any reader cares to consult the Official Register of Deaths it should be easy to come to a conclusion. Meantime, the stone will be re-examined in differing conditions of light and weather and the following revised entry has been adopted until clarification is available:
IN MEMORY OF DUNCAN MARTIN / WHO DIED APL 8 189(?)4 / AGED 11 YRS [revised reading, inspired by Allan Martin 2002; KB tends towards 1864]

SHORT CUT TO COLONSAY GENEALOGY

Readers are reminded that four books published in Canada by Mary MacKay are absolutely fundamental to any study of Colonsay family history. All proceeds from their sale have generously been gifted towards the conservation programme at Rusk's Cemetery, Elderslie, Bruce County, Ontario, wherein many Colonsay pioneers are laid to rest.

All these books contain excellent genealogical charts and have been reviewed in "The Corncrake"; but Colonsay residents might like to look before they leap - copies are available at the bookshop and make ideal gifts, if only for oneself.

A further document has just come to hand, a work-in-progress. It deals with the family of Neil McNeill and Mary Brown, with which many current Colonsay individuals are connected. Mary MacKay will be glad to hear from living descendants, especially those who live in Colonsay or are familiar with it. Copies of this document are also available to purchase at the bookshop, and local residents are also welcome to borrow the Editor's own copy.

The range of individuals involved is very wide, but the following chart may help readers to identify their own connection through any of the nine children of Neil McNeill and Mary Brown:

Malcolm

1788-1873

m. Katrine McEachern

Annie

c. 1790

m. Donald McInnish

Murdock

1792-1884

m. Peggy

Currie

Roderick

c. 1794 m. Catherine Munn

Flora

1796-1891 m. Hugh McNeill

Archibald

1798-1877

m S. Currie & D. Munn

Catherine

1801-1883

m. Angus Blue

Angus

1802-78 m. H McNeill & M Smith

Duncan Ban

1806-97 m. Cath. Currie

Mary

1833-1859 m. Alex McNeill

John 1812 m.Cath. McEachern

Mary 1822 - 1905 m. Alex McNeill

Malcolm m. Mary McDonald

Cathrine 1822 m. James Smith

Duncan 1834-1928 m. Cath McDonald

Sandy 1822-1892 m. Mary McMillan

Mary

1831

Mary 1830 m. Angus Buie

Ann. c. 1836 m. Malcolm MacKinnon

Effie

1815- >1829

Hester 1824-99 m. Hector Blue

Capt. John 1834-1907 m. Ann McNeill

Archibald 1824 m. Ellen Currie

Mary 1837 - 1905 m. Norman McLeod

Malcolm 1823-95 m. Ann Munn

Malcolm 1834

Rory

1831-1849

Neil

1840-c.1850

Charles

1817 - >1841

John

1825-1885

Neil

1839-1902 m. Mary McQueen

Mary 1827-1906 m. Donald Munn

Neil

1839-1905

Mary

1827-1910 m. Angus McLean

Neil

1835 m. Mgt McLean

Anabella 1834 m. Roderick McDougall

 

Mary

c. 1818

Neil

1828 m. Maron Blue

 

Margaret 1828-1908 m. Archie Galbreath

Sarah 1841-1923 m. Neil D Munn

John 1831-1926 m. Effe M'Millan & Mgt Blue

Second M.

Archibald c. 1840

Neil Ban 1836-1920 m. Janet Blue

 

Flory

1822

Donald 1830-1904 m. Isabella Brown

 

John H 1833-99 m Catherine Currie

Malcolm 1844-1925 m Bessie MacDonald

Angus 1834 m. Flora Stewart

John c.1842 m. Mary McPherson

Donald Ban 1838-1925 m. Cath. Smith

 

Effie

c. 1829

Archibald 1832

 

Hester 1835-1916

Murdock 1847-1940 m Rebecca Lamont

Janet 1839-1925 m. Malcolm D Munn

Donald

1846-1848

Arch'd

c. 1841 m. Jane Ramsey

 

Sally

c. 1832

Malcolm 1834-1910 m. Mgt Blue

 

Roderick

1837-1861

2nd m. Margaret 1859-1947 m A Blue

Catherine

1841-1867

Catherine c.1849 Christina c.1852

Malcolm

1844

 

Archie

1836

Murdock 1838-1904 m. Cath McMillan

 

Flora

1839 m. William Reid

Margaret

1859-1947 m. Angus Blue

 

Dr. Roger

1853-1924

Angus 1847-1914

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flora c. 1856

Margaret c. 1858

Pegi Ban 1850-1921 m D Gibbie McNeill

 

COLONSAY MARTINS

In a booklet recently produced, Allan Martin gives a brief and informative introduction to this ubiquitous European name and makes some reference to its distribution outwith Colonsay. (Incidentally, Catriona Fforde mentions the MacMartins as a client clan of the Camerons, with territory to the east of Loch Lochy. She mentions that Ewen Cameron, grandfather of Gentle Lochiel, was a foster-son of MacMartin of Letterfinlay. Through Ewen there could have been a tenuous link between the MacMartins and the 8th Earl of Argyll, who became his guardian. In due course, Ewen came to owe his life to his foster-father. Also, "There were close ties between the MacMartins and the Keppoch MacDonalds". Coll MacDonald of Keppoch, who had joined the forces of Alasdair MacCholla Ciotach of Colonsay, was the son of a MacMartin. Fforde mentions that Donnchadh Mac Mhartainn Mhic Dhonnchaidh was the 4th Chief and that his great-grandson was Martainn Og, suggesting that the names Martin and Duncan had alternated through 7 generations. Does this sound like a Martin? - "… high above his whole line… his dark locks hang around his face and cover his cheeks, and his eyes shine like the stars, while his neck rivals the white flowers… Whenever he turns his head and neck his arms rattle, and the hollow rocks seem to moan, and as he treads the plain the earth groans under his weight." See: "A Summer in Lochaber, the Jacobite Rising of 1689", pub. Oct. 2002 by House of Lochar).

Allan Martin mentions that "Gillatius Mertuin" was amongst the Colonsay catholics whose names are preserved in the Vatican records of 1625 and goes on to identify a local Martin "tree" which tentatively originates c. 1760 with one Donald Martin. Allan then traces the family for some two hundred years, with increasing recourse to the official records. There are one or two lively diversions along the way, and Allan has produced an excellent chart of the descent which should be of great interest to connected families.

Allan Martin is currently assessing the archive of Martin papers preserved at Homefield and will welcome any assistance or additional information that is available. The Colonsay Martin family was latterly closely attached to the Baptist Church and it might be good to know if this was a long-standing affiliation. And was there not a story of buitseachas … something to do with sheep? Incidentally, the late Hugh Martin (son of Hector) was first cousin to Malcolm Martin (son of Hugh), the grandfather of Allan Martin who is conducting this research.

Our picture shows Donald Martin, a brother of Hugh and Hector - all three were sons of Malcolm, as is confirmed by the inscription on the back of the photo:

"DOMNHULL CHALUM - Donald Martin, Port Mhor - & Diamond (dog)". Donald Martin (1842 - 1924) m. Marion McNeill and they had three children, Malcolm (1878), Marion (1880) and Duncan (1883 - 1894) - whose gravestone is probably the one proving difficult to confirm (see story, above). A picture of Hector is also available and can be published if anybody is interested…




JOSEPH McAFEE of Chester County, PA, USA

In January 2001, we published some information from Jan Storms, which was based upon ongoing research. We are very fortunate in being able to publish the amplified and corrected information given below the McAfee (McFee) family in Chester County, PA, USA. It may be that this will relate to other research elsewhere, and in any event it will give any new researchers invaluable assistance - Editor

N.B. It should be noted that the connection to Colonsay has not yet been made. Certain records and proximity indicate that Joseph is likely the grandson of William McFee, who came from New Hampshire around 1740. From records there and Wm.'s date of death, one can surmise that he either arrived in the US at a very young age or was born shortly after his parents' arrival. It is known that a party of Irish/Scots containing some McFee's arrived in New Hampshire around 1713. In any case, Wm. is known to have died in 1790, at an advanced age (80s). Records show his family as the only McFee/McAfee family in Edgmont during the early to late 1700s.

JOSEPH1 MCAFEE was born Abt. 1774 in Edgmont, Chester (now Delaware) County, PA. He married JANE PYLE Abt. 1798 (per Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormons) film 184747, daughter of CALEB PYLE and MARY MATTHEWSON. She was born March 16, 1778 in Thornbury, Delaware Co., PA.

Children of JOSEPH MCAFEE and JANE PYLE are:
i. SARAH2 MCAFEE9, b. May 26, 1799, Thornbury, Delaware, Pennsylvania
2. ii. ISAAC MCAFEE, b. August 14, 1800, Edgemont, Delaware County, PA; d. October 10, 1853.
iii. MARY MCAFEE9, b. July 24, 1802, LDS film 170681, pg. 11179; d. Unknown.
iv. JOSEPH MCAFEE9, b. November 15, 1804, LDS film 4584389; d. Unknown.
v. JANE MCAFEE9, b. April 05, 1807, LDS film 1706819; d. Unknown.
vi. POWELL MCAFEE, b. July 26, 1810, LDS microfilm 1239536; d. Unknown. He married MARGARETTA ALEDMON REDOPHER9 Abt. 1833
vii. ELIZABETH MCAFEE9, b. May 13, 1815, LDS film 1847519; d. Unknown.

Generation No. 2
ISAAC2 MCAFEE (JOSEPH1)9 was born August 14, 1800 in Edgemont, Delaware County, PA, and died October 10, 1853. He married CATHERINE SMITH, daughter of JOHN SMITH and MARY UNKNOWN. She was born October 21, 1809, and died April 04, 1880. Isaac was a shoemaker in West Vincent Twp, Chester Co., PA.

Children of ISAAC MCAFEE and CATHERINE SMITH are:
i. MARY JANE3 MCAFEE, b. Abt. 1831; d. September 1854.
ii. WILLIAM MCAFEE, b. Abt. 1839; d. Unknown.
iii. MARGARET MCAFEE, b. Abt. 1841; d. Unknown; m. LEVI SHOFFNER; d. Unknown.
iv. DAVIS MCAFEE, b. Abt. 1842; d. Unknown, prior to 1903.
v. ELIZABETH MCAFEE, b. Abt. 1846; d. Unknown, prior to 1903.
4. vi. JACOB L. MCAFEE, b. February 02, 1847, West Vincent Township, Chester Co., PA; d. October 03, 1926, Warwick Township, Chester Co., PA.
vii. AMANDA MCAFEE, b. Unknown; d. Unknown.
viii. G.W. POWELL MCAFEE, b. Abt. 1833, LDS film 1903546; d. Unknown.
ix. HANNAH MCAFEE, b. Unknown; d. Unknown; m. WILLIAM H. WALLEIGH; d. Unknown.
x. JONAH MCAFEE, b. Abt. 1837, Vincent Twp, Chester Co.; d. Unknown.

Generation No. 3
4. JACOB L.3 MCAFEE (ISAAC2, JOSEPH1) was born February 02, 1847 in West Vincent Township, Chester Co., PA, and died October 03, 1926 in Warwick Township, Chester Co., PA. He married MARTHA D. HOFFECKER, daughter of JACOB HOFFECKER and REBECCA RAMSTINE. She died Unknown.

Notes for JACOB L. MCAFEE: as noted in CHESTER AND DELAWARE COUNTIES. (heading at top of page; page found at Chester Co. Historical Society)
JACOB MACFEE, residing in East Nantmeal township, about one mile from the village, is a splendid representative of that class of man known as independent farmers, who by the exercise of energy, perseverance and keen forethought are enabled to live comfortably and at the same time acquire a competence which will prove of lasting benefit to them in their declining years. He was born in West Vincent township, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1I847, the son of Isaac and Catherine Macfee.

Isaac Macfee, father of Jacob Macfee, was a shoemaker by trade and conducted his operations along that line in West Vincent township. He was an upright, conscientious man, and faithfullv performed all the duties and obligations which fall to the lot of every man. He married Catherine Smith, daughter of John and Mary Smith, and through this union ten children were born, seven of whom are living at the present time (1903). Jonah, a farmer in West Vincent township, William, engaged in agricultural pursuits in the town of Birchrunville; G. W. Powell, ,a farmer in East Nantmeal township; Margaret wife of Levi Shoffner, a prosperous agriculturist of West Pikeland township: Hannah, wife of William H. Walleigh, a farmer of Chester Springs; Amanda, widow of John Eaches, who during his life time was engaged in farming in East Nantmeal township; and Jacob Macfee.

The public schools of West Vincent township afforded Jacob Macfee a good English education, which is an important and essential requisite in the life and career of every individual. He chose for his life work the occupation of farmer,, conducted extensive operations on a tract of land which he rented for that purpose, and in the year 1891, having accumulated sufficient funds from his many years of labor, he purchased a farm situated in East Nantmeal township, about one mile from the village, which was formerly the property of Joseph Phipps. His farm consists of ninety-four acres of rich and arable land, sixty acres of which is under cultivation, whereon he raises a general line of farm and garden produce. He also has a dairy of twelve head of cows, some of the finest specimens of Jersey cattle in Chester county, having devoted considerable attention to the breeding of this species for the past twenty years. Ever since attaining his majority, Mr. Macfee has voted the Democratic ticket, and with the exception of one year has been the incumbent of the township offices, among which have been the positions of constable, assessor and collector.

Mr. Mcafee was united in marriage to Martha Hoffecker, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Ramstine) Hoffecker, the farmer named having been a prosperous farmer in East Nantmeal township, in the vicinity of East Nantmeal Post Office. Their children are: 1. John A., a farmer in East Nantmeal township, married Ada Christman, of East Nantmeal township, (daughter of George Christman, the old veteran fox hunter of Chester county. The Christman family date back to the Revolutionary period, as do also the Macfee family, who are of Irish parentage, and came to this country in the early days, settling near the town of Phoenixville, Chester county, Pennsylvania. 2. Emma, wife of William T. Miller, a farmer of West Vincent township. 3. Walter, engaged in farming pursuits in East Nantmeal township, married Carrie E. Eyrich, daughter of Wellington Eyrich, a member of one of the old families of East Nantmeal township. 4. Maggie. 5. Jacob, Jr. 7. Laura. 8. Florence. The four latter named reside at home with their parents. Mr. Macfee and family hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of East Nantmeal township.

obituary found at Chester Co. Historical Society:
L 10.12.1926
John L. McAfee
A stroke of apoplexy which developed into gangrene about a week ago, caused the death of Jacob L. McAfee, farmer and former prominent Democratic politician, yesterday afternoon, at 1 0'clock, at his home in Warwick township. His age was 79 years, 9 months, and 1 day. Previous to moving into Warwick township eight years ago, he resided in East Nantmeal township, where he held various public offices and was the leader of the Democratic party in that precinct. During his career as a public official he held the offices of assessor, supervisor and served on the East Nantmeal Board of Education. He was a son of the late Isaac McAfee and was born in West Vincent township.

He is survived by his Widow, Martha Hoffecker and these children: John A., of East Nantmeal; Mrs. William Miller, of West Vincent; Walter, of Warwick township; Mrs. William McElroy, of St. Peters; Jacob L., of Nantmeal village; Mrs. Walter Benney, of Lancaster; Mrs. Harvey Bachman, of St. Peters. He was a member of the Nantmeal M.E. Church.

Jacob & Martha's headstones located at Nantmeal Church Aug. 2000. Jacob's farm is apparently still in McAfee hands and is known as the oldest continuously working farm in the County.

Children of JACOB MCAFEE and MARTHA HOFFECKER are:
7. i. EMMA B.4 MCAFEE, b. 1870; d. 1939.
ii. LIZZIE MCAFEE, b. February 08, 1871; d. March 27, 1889.
iii. WALTER MCAFEE, b. 1873; d. 1931; m. CARRIE E. EYRICH; b. 1881; d. 1931.
8. iv. JACOB JR. MCAFEE, b. May 1882; d. December 1935.
v. FLORENCE MCAFEE, b. Unknown; d. Unknown; m. HARVEY BACHMAN; d. Unknown.
vi. JOHN A. MCAFEE, b. Unknown; d. Unknown; m. ADA CHRISTMAN; d. Unknown.
9. vii. LAURA MCAFEE, b. Unknown; d. Unknown.
viii. MAGGIE MCAFEE, b. Unknown; d. Unknown; m. WILLIAM MCELROY; d. Unknown.

5. AMANDA3 MCAFEE (ISAAC2, JOSEPH1) was born Unknown, and died Unknown. She married JOHN EACHES. He died Unknown.

6. G.W. POWELL3 MCAFEE (ISAAC2, JOSEPH1) was born Abt. 1833 in LDS film 1903546, and died Unknown. He married MARY REBECCA BUFFINGTON Abt. 1858 in LDS film 1760866. She died Unknown.

Child of G.W. MCAFEE and MARY BUFFINGTON is:
11. i. WILLIAM H.4 MCAFEE, b. August 18, 1859; d. Unknown.

Generation No. 4
7. EMMA B.4 MCAFEE (JACOB L.3, ISAAC2, JOSEPH1) was born 1870, and died 1939. She married WILLIAM T. MILLER May 05, 1888 in Performed by Rev. J.T. Gray - from Methodist Church Record. He was born 1865, and died 1934.

Children of EMMA MCAFEE and WILLIAM MILLER are:
12. i. JONAS5 MILLER, b. March 21, 1890; d. October 30, 1952.
13. ii. MINNIE MILLER, b. February 22, 1895; d. 1947, Barneston, Glenmoore, Pennsylvania.
iii. JOHN H. MILLER, b. 1908; d. 1908.
iv. CLARENCE MILLER, b. Unknown; d. Unknown.
v. FRANK MILLER, b. Unknown; d. Unknown.
vi. HARRY MILLER, b. Unknown; d. Unknown.
vii. LEROY MILLER, b. Unknown; d. Unknown.
viii. LOUIS MILLER, b. Unknown; d. Unknown.
ix. MORRIS MILLER, b. Unknown; d. Unknown.

8. JACOB JR.4 MCAFEE (JACOB L.3, ISAAC2, JOSEPH1) was born May 1882, and died December 1935. He married ANNA THOMAS. She died Unknown.

Children of JACOB MCAFEE and ANNA THOMAS are:
i. MARY5 MCAFEE, b. Private; m. CLYDE LOCKART, Private; b. Private.
ii. MARGARET L. MCAFEE, b. Private.
iii. IDA MAY MCAFEE, b. Unknown, Nantmeal Twp.; d. January 1999.
iv. GEORGE MCAFEE, b. Private.
v. WALTER MCAFEE, b. Private.
vi. THOMAS E. MCAFEE, b. Private.

9. LAURA4 MCAFEE (JACOB L.3, ISAAC2, JOSEPH1) married JOHN WALTER BENNEY.
Children of LAURA MCAFEE and JOHN BENNEY are:
i. JEANETTE5 BINNEY, b. Private.
ii. ETHEL BINNEY, b. 1912, Coatesville; d. January 1997.

11. WILLIAM H.4 MCAFEE (G.W. POWELL3, ISAAC2, JOSEPH1) was born August 18, 1859. He married LYDIA SMEDLEY June 26, 1884 in Lionville, PA. She was born March 23, 1861

Children of WILLIAM MCAFEE and LYDIA SMEDLEY are:
i. AGNES5 MCAFEE, b. January 31, 1886; d. Unknown.
ii. FRANCES E. MCAFEE, b. November 02, 1888; d. Unknown.
iii. DELLA MCAFEE, b. May 31, 1890; d. Unknown.
iv. PERCY T. MCAFEE, b. June 09, 1891; d. Unknown.

Obviously, there are following generations. I am continuing my search prior to 1713 in the hopes of finding the thread that leads back to Colonsay.
Gail Storms Steckel gailstec@pa.net

AIR AN DUIBHIRTICH - Part II

Nobody has mentioned this series and perhaps it is too familiar. It takes a bit of work to prepare, so if any reader IS following it, please let the Editor know, otherwise it can be abandoned.

Moch 'sa' mhadainn air an t-seathamh là deug de mhìos deireannach an t-samhraidh a chaidh seachad thog sinn "na siùil bhaidealacha bhàrrgheal ri croinn fhada fhulangach fhiùdhbhaidh" na Maighdinn Orasaich is a ban-chompanach ann am Port na Feamanta. "Bha soirbheas beag lom againn mar a thaghamaid féé Bha sinn earbsach as ar teòmachd féin, is gu h-àraidh as a' Mhaighdinn,
"Nach 'eil bàta 'n taobh so Chluaidh
A bheir am fuaradh thar a sròin."


Bha sinn anns a' Mhaighdinn seachdnar de chuideachd, a rugadh is a dh'àraicheadh anns an aon sgìreachd. Chaidh seisear dhinn ionnsachadh 'san aon sgoil; is i an aon slat a smachdaich sinn. Bha an t-seachdamh air an t-saoghal ginealach roimh chàch, ach, mo bheannachd air, b'e rogha is tagha an fhir-thurais e, air muir no air tìr, oir
"Ged nach dèan e fidhleireachd,
Sgrìobhaidh e is leughaidh,
'S air mo m'fhacal nì e searmoin dhuit,
Nach tallaicheadh neach fo'n ghréin oirr'."


Bha sinn 'nar cuideachd cho sunndach, tuigseach, is a gheibhteadh air latha samhraidh; air coinneachadh aon uair eile aig an tigh a dh'ùrachadh is a neartachadh eòlas is tlachd ar n-òige. Chaidh, gun teagamh, gach aon againn troimh "abhainn theinntich" féin, agus bu shona esan, ma tha e ann, a fhuair an abhainn air a teasachadh na bu mhò le òrdugh an Rìgh na le a dhèanadas féin; ach an déidh gach dathadh a rinneadh oirnn, bha sinn fathast an tréin ar neirt, le ar misneach làidir, ar cridheachan blàth, agus sinn gaolach mu chomunn a chéile air dhòigh nach faighear, saoilidh mi, ach an eileanan beags na Gàidhealtachd a mhàin. Rugadh is thogadh sinn taobh na mara; bu choingeis leis gach fear againn stiùir, ràmh, no taoman, is gheibhteadh 'nar cuideachd sgeul, iorram, no searmoin. Faodar a bhith cinnteach gur iomadh cuimhneachan a chaidh a dhùsgadh, naidheachd a chaidh innseadh, òran a chaidh a sheinn, ceist a chaidh a cur is a fhreagairt, is gur iomadh facal math Gàidhlig a chaidh a sgoltadh, ré nan trì uairean a thug a' Mhaighdeann "ag gearradh a h-astair feadh thonn gun cùram," o chladach beàrnach Cholbhasa gus an Duibhirteach.

DNA Experiment re. Jura

Scott Buie announced the results of a DNA experiment in his latest publication, Jura Research Newsletter #76 - October 30, 2002. Hopefully he will not mind it being reproduced here, since some of our readers may be able to contribute to his work.

"Recently your editor [i.e. Scott Buie] participated in the Clan Donald USA Genetic Project. Although all of the results are not analyzed completely the preliminary findings are extremely interesting.

Y chromosome DNA testing seems to indicate that my Buie male line is not connected with the MacDonalds but rather is apparently similar to Y chromosome types found in Irish populations. This finding is more consistent with the Buies being of Irish Celtic origin and not of the Gaelic or Norwegian MacDonalds and not of the Vikings. Of course, this assumes that my male line is of legitimate lineage and does not exclude female MacDonald intermarriage.

These findings supports the view that the Buies (and perhaps other Jura families connected with the MacDonalds - Darrochs, Shaws, and others) were part of an early migration of people from Ireland that later affiliated with Clan Donald but were not related to the MacDonalds.

We would welcome any comments from our readers who are knowledgeable of anthropology and/or history to give us more insight into this fascinating subject."

One wonders how far Clan McPhee have progressed in research along these lines. As is well known, opinion as to their origin is divided ... there are some who think of a Pictish connection and links with Siol Alpin, others look to Scandinavia and others (including the Editor of "The Corncrake") accept the traditional story of an origin in Ireland, with the clan coming to Scotland from Derry as a part of the dowry of O'Kane's daughter. Not that it makes a lot of difference, since it is said that all Europeans and Americans are within six degrees of kin in any case.

WEBSITE TO EXPLORE... Argyll Computer Forum

We have mentioned this already, but new computer users might like to be reminded of a forum for all your problems with the new machines… a recent message from the host is repeated here:

"I've finally got chat working for the forum and if you want to try it just come to the Forum
http://pub24.ezboard.com/b2000friends



click on the "Join Live Chat" link just under the big blue buttons. There's no software to download or anything.
Also there's a new thread for tips on magazines with good freebies in General Discussion which includes a tip on where to get a free headset for using when you video/voice conference.
There's also new threads on how to use the forum, how to get rid of the drop down lists of internet addresses and much more!



Regulars

Readers Write


NOTICE:
Any correspondence relating to current events will hopefully be found in the first part of the "Corncrake" after the News section. Items in connection with history, genealogy etc. will appear here.




A further supply of Mary Mackay's books are now to hand…

I'm glad you received the books. Already I have more info and update for "The Family of Neil McNeil and Mary Brown" I have four stories of descendants of this family which I have been in contact with. I would really like to hear from those who still live on Colonsay. Perhaps when they read about it in the Corncrake they will come to your bookstore and become interested in sharing their story with me so that I can complete the research paper.

I am well underway with my fifth book 'Scooptown Diary' which focuses on the family of Malcolm Blue (1795- 1886) and Peggy McLugash (abt. 1796-died before 1841). The parents and two children remained in Colonsay but the remaining eight came to Ontario. I have contacts with several descendants but I would appreciate hearing from others.
Mary

[And here is an earlier message I may have missed - Ed.]
Found birth registration for Malcolm McNeil [note only one 'l']
Born in Elderslie July 31, 1874, Malcolm Montgomery McNeil, male
father Alexander McNeil, Barister at Law/ farmer
mother Hester Law Howard


Dear Kevin,
A few more Certificates attached, I've aquired from Salt Lake City. (I might not be doing it too often now, as the LDS has put the cost up 800 %, from 25¢ to $2.00 US a copy)
I've written the names just as they are spelled in the certificates. Hope they are useful to someone.
Any luck with a photo of Jasper Brown ? Perhaps May has one !!!
Pat.

[These extracts may be very helpful to some readers. Perhaps someone can help Pat Maule find a suitable photo? - Editor]

Death - Parish of Colonsay, Argyll

1872 - 19 Nov. James CURRIE, age 60, Labourer, married to Ann McPHAIL, at Scalsaig, Colonsay. Father - John CURRIE, Herd (Deceased)
Mother -
Informant - Malcolm CURRIE, Son (not present)

----\\\\\\\------

Marriages - Parish of Colonsay, Argyll. (all Established Church of Scotland)

1871 - 06 July Alexander McNEILL, age 38, of Machrins, Ploughman, Widower, son of Peter McNEILL, crofter (Deceased), and Mary McNeill M.S. CURRIE
and
Mirren CAMPBELL (her mark) age 33, of Kilchattan, Spinster, dau. of Peter CAMPBELL, crofter (Deceased) and Barbara CAMPBELL M.S. CURRIE
Minister - J.B. MacKenzie.
Witnesses - Angus McNEILL
Neill McNEILL
Registrar in all Cases here
Neil Macmillan.

----\\\\----

1871 - 06 July John McARTHUR, age 23, of Oransay, Ploughman, bachelor, son of Donald McARTHUR, Ploughman, (Deceased) and Mary McARTHUR, M.S. McARTHUR, (deceased)
and
Flora DARRACH (her mark) age 26, of Riskbuie, Spinster, Dau. of John DARRACH, labourer, (deceased) and Mary DARRACH, M.S. McMILLAN
Minister - J.B. McKenzie
Witnesses - Angus McLUGISH
Malcolm McNEILL

----\\\\-----

1874 - 19 May Archibald McNEILL, age 34, of Garvart, Shepherd, bachelor , son of Angus McNEILL, farmer, and Margaret McNEILL, M.S. SMITH, (deceased).
And
Christina BLUE, age 28, of Kiloran, Spinster, dau. of Angus BLUE, ploughman, (deceased), and Ann BLUE, M.S. McMILLAN.(deceased)
Minister - Donald Mclean
Witnesses - Neil McNEILL
Malcolm McNEILL

----\\\\----

1874 - 09 July Donald McNEILL, age 29, of Colonsay, Bachelor, ploughman, son of Gilbert McNEILL, farmer, and Margaret McNEILL, M.S. McFARLANE.
And
Margaret McNEILL, age 24, spinster, dau. of Duncan McNEILL, farmer, and Catherine McNEILL, M.S. CURRIE.
Minister - Dond. Maclean.
Witnesses - Neil McNEILL
Dugald McPHEE.

----\\\\----

1875 - 02 Feb. Roger McMILLAN, (his mark)age 33, of Urgaig, single, Labourer, son of Alexander McMILLAN, Crofter, and Ann McMILLAN, M.S. DARRACH,
and
Isabella McMILLAN (her mark) age 29, of Riskbuie, spinster, dau. of John McMILLAN, labourer, and Flora McMILLAN, M.S. McFADYEN.
Minister - Donald Maclean
Witnesses - Donald McPHEE
James McFADYEN.

----\\\\----

1875 - 02 June Neil McPHEE (his mark) age 29, of Scalsaig, bachelor, shoemaker, son of Hugh McPHEE, shoemaker, and Margaret McPHEE, M.S. McPHEE (deceased),
and
Catherine McNEILL, age 28, of Kilchattan, spinster, dau. of Torquil McNEILL, labourer, (deceased), and Ann McNEILL, M.S. McCANNEL.
Minister - Donald Maclean
Witnesses - Angus McNEILL
Neill McNEILL.

Note: The above is the "Katie Thorchuil" of Kilchattan whose unfortunate demise is recorded in a local placename - Editor

----\\\\----

1875 - 12 Aug. Donald MARTIN, age 34, of Kilchattan, Boatman, bachelor, son of Malcolm MARTIN , farmer, and Mary MARTIN, M.S. DOCHARTY,
and
Marion McNEILL, age 34, of Kilchattan, spinster, dau. of Duncan McNEILL, stone mason, and Marion McNEILL, M.S. McCALDER.
Minister - Donald Mclean
Witnesses - Donald McNEILL
Angus McINNES

Note: see photograph of Donald Martin in this issue - Editor

----\\\\----

1881 - 03 Nov. John McMILLAN, age 33, of Riskbuie, fisherman, bachelor, son of John McMILLAN, labourer, and Flora McMILLAN, M.S. McFADYEN,
and
Mary McNEILL, age 34, of Scalsaig, spinster, dau. of Duncan McNEILL, stone mason, and Mirren McNEILL, M.S. CALDER, (deceased)
Minister - Dugald Carmichael
Witnesses - Charles DARROCH
Alexander McNEILL


I have ancestors from Colonsay & Jura and have a website (listed below) with many family groups listed.
I also have the Kilearnadail Graveyard Inscriptions included in this web.
I would be delighted if you could tell me where I could locate inscriptions for Colonsay & Oronsay with a view to publishing on my website.
I have used your 1841 census online which has been of great use, many thanks.
Looking forward to hearing from you. Susan.
www.geocities.com/genealogytreeuk

[Editor: inscriptions are of course public information, and many graveyards have been published worldwide, to the great benefit of many researchers. Had it not been for Ann Bonnell, we would not have obtained details of Wood Islands etc., and very little would yet be known about Colonsay emigration. Do readers have any views on the subject? Should Colonsay and Oronsay inscriptions be made available online? The material is all to hand, but comment would be very helpful].


Hi
I think I may have a Colonsay ancestor. My great-great grandfather John McLean was a Stone Mason from Colonsay who married an Islay girl (in 1872) and brought up his family there. His parents were Archibald McLean and Mary Graham and we think he was born abt. 1843.
I have tried to find a marriage between his parents as well as his christening but to no avail on the Scottish People website run by the Register Office. Have you any tips about what I can try to look for? best wishes
Sarah MacLean


From: "Blue, Ian"
Sent: 30 October 2002 21:51

I am a barrister in Toronto, Canada. My great great grandfather was named Donald Blue. According to my information he was born in Colonsay in 1793.

He married Jesse Gilchrist, also of Colonsay . They and four children settled in Prince Edward Island somewhere between 1816 and 1819. Donald subsequently moved to Cape Breton Island. He had seven children. His descendants prospered in Canada and the United States.

I can verify Donald in Prince Edward Island by 1819 by mention of his name in the Island Gazette in connection with three different matters. I know nothing about Donald's or Jesse's forbears in Colonsay and would like to do so.

Can you put me in contact with someone knowledgeable about the local genealogy prior to 1793 who might be able to help me find out more about Donald and Jesse's families?
Ian Blue

REPLIED: Thank you for your message ... I notice that on October 11 1812 Donald Blue and Jeny Gilchrist had their son Malcolm christened...on Feb 15 1815, daughter Cathrine, Jan 22 1817 son Dugald and May 22 1819 daughter Janet... so it sounds like they went on the "Economy" as a guess. No sign of a marriage, possibly an error by the minister who just might have recorded it in the wrong book (Jura). By chance, I have a microfilm of the record and if I get time could poke through the Jura record.

Meantime, I can send you a copy of all my info on a floppy disk - it might be possible to create an extended family and thus find other lines. Nobody here is expert pre 1800, but I will include your letter in our next "Corncrake" and hope that somebody can help. Best wishes - Kevin Byrne

P.S. Readers are reminded that many hundreds of Colonsay emigrants are listed on our website, as "The Colonsay Register". If additional names should be listed, please send the appropriate message, and if you wish to indicate your interest in any individual your email address can be posted in the correct place. All instructions are on that page - have a look at it, and marvel at all the work involved!


[Tom Parkin is currently researching the MacLugash family of Port an Taigh Mhor…]

John Sr.'s wife was Ann McKinnon of Mull, who outlived him. She and sister Mary both married McLugashs, but I haven't yet determined whether the grooms were brothers. Unfortunately, I have not traced any of their children to marriage because the survivors were mostly girls. It appears that the stone adjacent is that of a relative, but I have too many Hughs in my records to say just who he is. Regrettably, the carving on that one is illegible but for his name.

However, if you can put me in touch with any McDougall/McLucas/McLugash (synonomous surnames) researchers, maybe I can expand on the base of names already established.

twparkin@nanaimo.ark.com



We will be happy to receive more letters and, as always, the editor would like to hear from anyone who might wish to contribute. Individual articles on news or local events will always be welcome.
Contact

the Editor - byrne@colonsay.org.uk


Editorial Policy

Corncrake is published to keep all our friends in touch with life on the island. Contributions are invited and welcomed.
Fortnightly editions will carry details of coming events, special offers etc. Please send letters and proposals for specific articles to
the Editor
Brief genealogical and related queries are also welcome from Colbhasachs overseas, as are obituaries and family traditions relating to Colonsay emigrants.
This publication will hopefully develop to reflect the interests of the readership so please feel free to make your contribution. The magazine section needs articles on flora, fauna, geology, fishing, crofting etc.